Holiday cheer – gift wines & liqueurs that are sure to please.

At this time of year, many of us are making a gift list and checking it twice. Here’s a selection of wines and liqueurs that will surely bring smiles, whether you’re shopping for wine lovers on your gift list or for celebrations at home. Many wine producers bring out special edition bottles and gift packages to make your holiday shopping easier.

Rum Chata Peppermint Bark How decadent is this? With its flavours of Caribbean rum, cream, both white and dark chocolate, and candy cane, this is basically candy in a bottle for adults.
LCBO #21703 • $33.95

Hennessy VS Cognac This famous VS Cognac is known as the world’s most popular Cognac. It gives consistent quality, developed over several centuries. It’s full-bodied, fragrant, and rich, with flavours of toasted nuts, fresh grapes, and citrus zest. 
LCBO #8234 • $75.35

Or take it up a notch and give the Hennessy VSOP Deluxe Offer with its rich vanilla and fruitcake notes. It comes already gift-wrapped in a festive red carrying container. 
LCBO #27977 • $123

It's useful to know about the designations you see on Cognac labels. They verify how long a Cognac has been aged. VS (Very Special) indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years.  VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) refers to at least four years of aging, and XO (Extra Old) at least six years. Most Cognacs are aged much longer, some even for decades.

Taylor Fladgate LBV Port Gift Pack Perhaps you have a Port lover on your gift list? This gift box, which includes two Port glasses, will surely be a hit. This Port pairs beautifully with an after-dinner cheese plate or dark chocolate.
LCBO #127852 • $26.95  

For the person exploring the world of Port, give Graham’s Selection of Finest Ports Gift Pack. This package includes five x 200ml bottles of different Port styles. 
LCBO # 27905 • $54.95

Luxardo Limoncello Liqueur Gift Pack with two glasses. This is a popular Italian artisanal liqueur. Luxardo still produces it according to the original family recipe from 1905. Enjoy it straight up and chilled or on the rocks with soda or tonic water for a delightful aperitivo. 
LCBO# 28011 • $29.95

Nardelli 1976 Negroamaro Primitivo All ready to go to a party in a festive gold bottle or for when you need a gift under $20. This is a dry, full-bodied red wine with intense berry and spicy notes. It pairs well with hearty red meat dishes such as roast lamb or lentil stew.
LCBO# 27988 • $18.95

Ruffino Riserva Ducale There’s bound to be a Chianti enthusiast on your list. Nobody crafts it better than Ruffino with this Riserva Ducale. It’s always a fantastic match with roasted red meats and grilled vegetables.  
LCBO# 45195 • $27

Double the pleasure by including a bottle of Ruffino Prosecco too. It’s perfect for kicking off a party or for toasting. The LCBO sells Vintages wooden gift boxes in different sizes to help you make a custom gift for wine lovers.  
LCBO #467811 • $19

During the Holiday Season, as always, drink in moderation and, whenever possible, have a designated driver.

Happy Holidays!

For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com